Sporting Clube de Braga was first founded in 1921. The team was partially named after Portuguese giants Sporting and their red and white home kit was inspired by English club Arsenal. Although the club has achieved only limited success over the course of its history, they have gradually emerged as one of Portugal's biggest teams, especially since the turn of the 21st century.

During the 2009–10 Primeira Liga season, Braga exceeded all expectations and ultimately finished in second place. The result gained the club entry into the following season's UEFA Champions League. Although their first experience in the Champions League ended at the group stage, Braga dropped down into the UEFA Europa League. Eventually, they would finish as runners up in the competition, losing in the final to fellow Portuguese club FC Porto. Braga's appearance in the Champions League and run to the final of the Europa League significantly raised the club's profile around the continent.

To date, the biggest major honour won by the club was the Portuguese Cup, which Braga lifted in 1965–66. The team have subsequently reached the final a further three times, but were unsuccessful on each occasion. In 2008, Braga achieved their first taste of European success, winning the Intertoto Cup. Since their 2nd place finish in 2009–10, Braga have consistently finished near the top of the Primeira Liga table.

Over the years, several notable players have represented Sporting Braga, with examples including former player Tiago and current stars Hugo Viana and Quim, all of whom have played for the Portuguese national team.

Braga play their home matches at the Estádio Municipal de Braga, which is referred to as Estádio AXA for sponsorship reasons. The stadium is rented by the club from the municipality of Braga, was used as a venue for the 2004 European Championships and has a maximum capacity of 30,286.